A man sits under a banner with a photo of Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as he drinks his tea at the Al Mosheer Cafe, or "Marshal Cafe," in Cairo on Jan. 27. / Mohammed Abu Zaid, AP

by Sarah Lynch, Special for USA TODAY

by Sarah Lynch, Special for USA TODAY

CAIRO â?? Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces announced Monday that it supports a presidential run by the nation's army chief in a vote in response to the demands of the people.

In a statement broadcast on Egyptian television, the council of generals said the candidacy of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for president is "a mandate and an obligation."

The state news agency had reported that the military council unanimously delegated al-Sisi to run in the election, which is likely to be held by the end of April. If he does, he could be the next leader of Egypt.